"There's a bear in the attic," Grandpa always said, voice full of mischief. The adults would chuckle, shaking their heads. "Just trying to scare her," they muttered.
But Eleanor wasn't laughing.
One summer afternoon, when the grown-ups were busy, she crept upstairs. The attic door groaned as she pushed it open. Dust hung thick in the air, curling in the sunlight like ghostly fingers.
And then—movement.
A man huddled in the shadows, his face hollow, his clothes ragged.
"You're not a bear," Eleanor whispered.
He smiled, slow and tired. "I used to be."
***
94 words
Inspired by what my grandfather used to tell me about the bear in his attic. (I was always too scared to go up and investigate.)
Makes me want to know more about the man who used to be a bear.
ReplyDeleteI'm wondering about him, too! He might need his own story.
DeleteOh, this seems like the start of an intriguing story! I don't know, yet, whether to be afraid for her, the man in the attic, or whoever put him there!
ReplyDeleteGood points! This could be the start of an entire horror novel!
DeleteOMG I love this!!! I'd love to know what happened to the man!!
ReplyDeleteSuzy x
He's sticking in my mind, too - I think I need to write more about him.
DeleteFantastic start to the challenge. I'll be following along!
ReplyDeleteDonna: Click for my 2025 A-Z Blog
Thank you! Checking yours out now - I had a busy start to the month!
DeleteThat was fun. I totally want to know more about the man in the attic who used to be a bear.
ReplyDeleteSame! I'm going to write something else about him.
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